In time for the start of the growing season, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched a free email advisory service to help gardeners navigate the use of new sustainable growing media alternatives.
Each year, approximately 2.8 million cubic metres of bagged growing media – equivalent to 1,120 Olympic swimming pools – are sold through retail, the majority of which is sold in spring. The new RHS advice service aims to help the UK’s 30 million gardeners get the best out of the new peat-free mixed to ensure healthy plants.
In a recent survey by the RHS of UK gardeners, 51.3% of respondents reported that they believed to some extent that peat-free growing media gives lower quality results than that containing peat but existing RHS research has shown in nursery settings that they can reap the same, if not better results.
Peat-free media’s ‘dry on top’ appearance can mislead gardeners into overwatering which can in turn lead to plant failures, while watering little and often can keep plants blooming. Recent trials by the RHS in commercial nurseries have shown that peat-free growing media can perform comparably or better than peat-based alternatives using the same amount of water.
The RHS’ new free email peat-free advice service (via peatfree@rhs.org.uk) is supplemented by its online peat-free hub where information and growing advice can be accessed. Tips include:
- Choosing the right growing media. In recent years many new peat-free mixes have been developed, meaning there is something to cater to every need from establishing seedlings or long-term container plants; acid-loving or houseplants.
- Water with care. Peat-free mixes will have slightly different watering needs to peat in terms of frequency and amount. Check the moisture levels under the surface where possible, or lift the container to the weight. For seeds, swapping a watering can for a mister can help maintain the right moisture levels without over- or under watering.
- When it comes to sowing seeds and root cuttings, use specific seed and cuttings peat-free bagged options. These are milled to a finer texture which is important for smaller seeds.
Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science, said: “We’ve launched this new peat-free advice service to support gardeners in making a smooth transition to sustainable growing media. Peat-free alternatives can deliver outstanding results, and with the right know-how, gardeners can achieve thriving plants while protecting our vital peatlands. Our trials have shown that peat-free compost can match or even outperform peat-based mixes, and we hope this service will help dispel any doubts by offering practical, expert guidance.”